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OPG preparing DGR answers

A conceptual computer model of Ontario Power Generation's Deep Geologic Repository (OPG DGR) for low and intermediate level nuclear waste, which is proposed for the Bruce nuclear site north of Kincardine, Ont. (OPG FILE)

Ontario Power Generation says it will respond by May 26 to requests for additional information posed by the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency about OPG plans to build a deep vault in sedimentary rock beside Lake Huron in which to store low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste.

The CEAA issued its latest requests on April 5 for more information about the plan and asked for a timeline of when OPG would respond.

Last week, OPG informed the CEAA of the May 26 date and issued a news release to publicly announce it. "OPG is confident we can address the additional information requests thoroughly in this timeframe," wrote Fred Kuntz, manager of corporate relations and communications in Bruce County for OPG.

The CEAA wants more information about two alternate locations for the Deep Geologic Repository besides the current proposed location at the Bruce nuclear site.

It wants more information on cumulative environmental effects if two waste facilities were to be located in the same region; both OPG's repository for low- and intermediate-level waste only, and a separate repository being explored for used nuclear fuel.

It also wants a consolidation of all of OPG's environmental commitments made to date on the DGR project, OPG's news release said.

OPG said it expected the requests for more information as a normal part of the regulatory process. "They will help ensure that every aspect of this project has been examined."

In 2015, a joint review panel concluded that the proposed location at the Bruce nuclear site near Tiverton was ideal for the DGR.

In February 2016, the federal government asked OPG to examine at least two other areas for their potential geological, environmental and economic suitability.

OPG found alternate sites in the Canadian Shield or southwest Ontario were technically feasible but would result in greater environmental effects, costs of up to $3.5 billion more and a delay in implementation of 15 years or more, with no additional benefits in safety for the public or environment.

The Bruce DGR would be located 1.2 kilometres from Lake Huron, and 680 metres below the surface in sedimentary rock that hasn't moved in millions of years.

If built, the DGR is to hold everything from mop heads, rags, and clothing to used reactor components from the Bruce, Darlington and Pickering generating stations.

There are still several steps left in the approvals process, including ministry approval, a construction licence and engineering work. OPG says it would not be in service before 2026. The Saugeen Ojibway Nation also has authority to veto the plan and talks with SON continue, OPG said.